A often quoted verse teaching us to study the word of God is, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (II Timothy 2:15) Most people in reading this verse believe the word “study” is our effort or attempt’s in adding something to knowledge we already have and desire to build upon it. When we have made this effort we then have the challenge to use it in a correct way. This word reaches far past this meaning and if applied correctly includes Christian character and service. If we “study” as the Greek word originally means, we will reckon ourselves dead to sin, alive to God, and our body as an instrument for God’s service. Paul talks about our constant battle in faith, “Fight the good fight of faith” (I Tim. 6:12). The Greek word implies, “haste, desire, the doing of one’s best, the act of carefully attending to duty.” It is the daily surrender of our life in total dependence upon the Holy Spirit, seeking the power to continue in our desire to do His will (Phil 2:13). It is much more than just our efforts to open the Bible or other books and study. Is this the type of study that you have attempted when you open the Bible?
Month: August 2011
Chastened and Suffering
“But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.” I Corinthians 11:32 Two translations are found in the Greek words “paideia” and “nouthesia.” Trench says the word “paideia” should be translated by the word “discipline” rather than “nurture.” This indicates that God allows His corrective measures in our life which are all designed to eliminate those things which hinder our spiritual growth. This chastening is not just for our instructions in righteousness, nor the primary purpose of growth in grace, but means far greater than these areas only. It is a corrective measure that God either allows or sends into our life to help rid us of sins, faults, and weaknesses in our commitment to Him. God has a perfect plan for each of us even through the many trails and temptations that we may face. When “we are chastened of the Lord…” it is always for the purpose of His glory through our life. At times God intervenes with a quick answer to our prayers and removes the suffering. Everyone desires this quickness but often God does not work this way. At times it is his desire to comfort us through the suffering. During this process we struggle and feel pain within our bodies and minds. Then the ultimate is when he brings us past the confines of this earthly life and calls us home to be with him. When suffering enters our life, and it will, we should see it as an opportunity of allowing God to speak to us.
Victory In Jesus
The word victory is important in our study of the Bible. The victory we have available to us is power from God over Satan and any sin that might keep us from full fellowship with Christ. Victory “nikao” is found twenty-eight times in the Greek New Testament, and is almost always translated by the word “overcome.” There are three important verses in which this word is used:”These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world”(John 16:33). “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world”(I John 4:4). “He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.” The victory is not in our strength but the power of God through the Holy Spirit and Word of God, “greater is he that is in us, than he that is in the world.” Notice our inheritance as “over comers” is being with Christ. Examine your own strengths and weaknesses. Examine the strengths and weaknesses of Satan. We have the promise of the word of God that provides victory for us over Satan and all he may bring into our life. Are we living each day as victors or victims? Victory is ours if we will only accept it. Share with others victory God has given you and how he is blessing your life for service to him. I am reminded of the wonderful hymn “Victory In Jesus.”
Read the Bible Daily 